What We Really Want for Valentine's Day

On Valentine's Day, flying solo is not normally top of mind, but that may change unless American men and women get their acts together on this whole gift-giving thing. Men and women just don't seem to be giving each other what they want.

The problem is not with the economic fundamentals: we've got the details of that drill down pat after a number of years of practice. Much like last year, men plan spend to spend 75 percent more than women, according to a new study conducted by CreditDonkey.com, a credit card comparison site. Men will spend an average of $84.39, while women plan to spend an average of $48.13. And we're all seemingly happy with that.

The big disconnect comes in that we're not getting what we want, according to the survey. We’re getting enough "stuff;" it's just not the "right stuff." The survey shows glaring differences in the buying habits and expectations of the sexes this Valentine's Day. Lovers just aren't on the same page this time around the block.

"While most Americans plan to stick to traditions — 65 percent will take their significant other to dinner, 38 percent will give chocolates, and 37 percent will give flowers — our survey suggests it may be time to consider a less predictable Valentine’s Day gift,” says Charles Tran, founder of CreditDonkey.com.

Here's quick run-down of what Americans plan to give for Valentine's, and what they hope to receive:

Ned was senior writer at Sweeney Vesty, an international consulting firm, and was Vice President of communications for iQuest Analytics. Before that, he has been a web editor and managed the Internet and intranet sites for Citizens Communications. He began his journalism career as a police reporter with the Roanoke (Va.) Times, and was managing editor of American Way magazine and senior editor of Us. He was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and has a masters in journalism from the University of Arizona.